Getting Pregnant
Updated on 28 August 2023
Varicocele is a common issue encountered in the field of reproductive medicine. It affects approximately 15% of healthy men, 35% of men with primary infertility, and up to 80% of men with secondary infertility. The high prevalence underscores the importance of understanding varicocele and its impact on male fertility. In this article, we will explore the complications of varicocele, its diagnosis, treatment, varicocele surgery cost and whether there is any other varicocele treatment without surgery or not.
A varicocele is characterized by the enlargement of veins within the scrotum, the pouch-like structure containing the testicles. These veins are responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood away from the testicles. However, in the case of a varicocele, blood tends to pool in these veins instead of flowing out efficiently.
Typically, varicoceles develop during puberty and progress gradually over time. While they may cause discomfort or pain, they often remain asymptomatic and do not lead to complications.
However, in some cases, a varicocele can negatively impact testicular development, impair sperm production, or contribute to other fertility-related issues. In such situations, surgical intervention to address the varicocele may be recommended to mitigate these complications and improve fertility prospects.
You may like : Top 4 Kinds of Infertility Treatments to Cure Male Infertility
Yes, varicoceles can indeed affect fertility. Varicoceles are known to hurt male fertility. There is a correlation between varicoceles and infertility, with a higher incidence of varicoceles observed amongst infertile couples.
Varicoceles have been associated with decreased sperm count, reduced sperm motility, and increased abnormal sperm morphology. Some experts believe that varicoceles, characterized by obstructed and enlarged veins around the testes, contribute to infertility by elevating the scrotal temperature and impairing sperm production. As a result, varicoceles are often associated with male infertility and may require medical intervention to address the condition and improve fertility outcomes.
Varicoceles can potentially cause several complications, including:
Varicoceles can negatively impact sperm production, quality, and movement, leading to male infertility. Blood pooling in the enlarged veins can increase scrotal temperature, which hampers sperm production and function.
In some cases, varicoceles can lead to testicular atrophy, which is the shrinkage of the testicles. This occurs due to impaired blood flow and oxygen supply to the testicles, reducing testicular function.
Varicoceles may cause pain or discomfort in the scrotum, particularly during physical exertion or prolonged standing. The pain can vary from mild to severe and may affect daily activities and quality of life.
In adolescent boys, varicoceles can interfere with average testicular growth and development. This can result in a smaller testicle on the side affected by the varicocele compared to the unaffected side.
While not all individuals with varicoceles experience complications, monitoring the condition and seeking medical evaluation if any symptoms or fertility concerns arise is essential. After knowing about varicocele, you might be wondering about varicocele surgery cost, which will be disclosed in a few paragraphs. Keep reading!
Diagnosis and treatment of varicoceles typically involve the following steps:
A healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination, including a detailed analysis of the scrotum, to assess the presence of varicoceles. They may ask you to perform specific maneuvers, such as standing and straining, to help detect the enlarged veins.
A scrotal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create scrotum images. It helps confirm the varicocele diagnosis and determine their size and severity.
A semen analysis may be performed to assess the quality, quantity, and motility of sperm. This helps evaluate the impact of varicoceles on fertility.
The treatment of varicoceles aims to improve fertility and alleviate associated symptoms. The available treatment options include regular monitoring, surgery (varicocelectomy) and varicocele embolization (varicocele treatment without surgery).
You may like : Testicular Ultrasound: What You Need to Know About the Procedure and Its Benefits
Varicocele surgery, or varicocelectomy, is a surgical procedure to treat varicoceles. It involves the surgical correction of the enlarged veins in the scrotum to improve fertility and alleviate associated symptoms. The surgery aims to redirect blood flow and reduce blood pooling in the affected veins.
There are different approaches to varicocele surgery, including:
This traditional approach involves an incision in the lower abdomen or groin area to access and ligate (tie off) the affected veins. It allows for direct visualization of the varicoceles and precise surgical intervention.
This minimally invasive technique involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to guide the surgical instruments and perform the varicocelectomy.
This advanced technique involves using an operating microscope to magnify the surgical field. The surgeon can meticulously identify and ligate the varicoceles while preserving the surrounding arteries, lymphatics, and nerves.
The choice of surgical approach depends on various factors, such as the severity of varicoceles, the surgeon's expertise, and individual patient considerations. The varicocele surgery aims to improve sperm quality and fertility potential by restoring normal blood flow and temperature regulation in the scrotum.
You may like: Low Sperm Count Signs You Should Never Ignore
The varicocele surgery cost can vary depending on several factors, including the geographic location, the healthcare facility, the surgeon's experience, the specific surgical technique, and any additional tests or procedures involved.
The cost of varicocele surgery can range from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000, with an average of approximately Rs 60,000. This typically includes the surgeon's fees, anesthesia charges, operating room expenses, pre-operative evaluations, and post-operative care.
To get an accurate cost estimate, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or contact the specific medical facility where the surgery will be performed. They can provide detailed information about the expected costs and help you navigate insurance-related matters.
Sometimes due to the high varicocele surgery cost, patients prefer non-surgical treatment options for varicocele. These non-surgical approaches are typically recommended for individuals not experiencing significant symptoms or fertility issues related to varicoceles.
However, it is essential to note that non-surgical treatments may not be as effective as surgical interventions in improving fertility outcomes. Surgical varicocele repair, known as varicocelectomy, is considered the gold standard treatment for varicoceles, especially in cases where the varicocele is causing fertility problems.
You may also like: Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction: How It Affects Male Fertility and What You Can Do About It
Varicocele surgery is a standard and effective treatment option for individuals with varicoceles, especially when causing fertility issues or significant discomfort. While varicocele surgery cost is a vital consideration, it is essential to remember it brings promising results in improving sperm quality and fertility outcomes. Remember, early intervention and appropriate management can significantly improve the chances of achieving reproductive health and fertility goals.
1. Leslie, S. W., Sajjad, H., & Siref, L. E. (2020). Varicocele. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing.
2. Zini, A. (2007). Varicocelectomy: microsurgical subinguinal technique is the treatment of choice. Canadian Urological Association Journal = Journal de l’Association Des Urologues Du Canada, 1(3), 273–276.
Yes
No
Written by
Madhavi Gupta
Dr. Madhavi Gupta is an accomplished Ayurvedic doctor specializing in Medical content writing with an experience of over 10 years.
Read MoreGet baby's diet chart, and growth tips
Testicular Pain: Don't Ignore, Know When to Seek Medical Attention
PCOS with Regular Periods: Understanding the Symptoms and Implications
Bulky Uterus: What You Need to Know About this Common Gynecological Issue
7 Common Bottle Feeding Problems
Mylo Baby Wipes Review
PCOS Treatment in Ayurveda: The Ultimate Guide to Natural Treatment Options
Mylo wins Forbes D2C Disruptor award
Mylo wins The Economic Times Promising Brands 2022
At Mylo, we help young parents raise happy and healthy families with our innovative new-age solutions:
baby carrier | baby soap | baby wipes | stretch marks cream | baby cream | baby shampoo | baby massage oil | baby hair oil | stretch marks oil | baby body wash | baby powder | baby lotion | diaper rash cream | newborn diapers | teether | baby kajal | baby diapers | cloth diapers |